Hummer Guy

It was only a matter of time before Jim Lynch, owner of Lynch HUMMER in Missouri, sold his massive $7.5 million facility. Lynch first put the building up for sale in early 2009, and the latest asking price was $4.95 million before it was sold to an undisclosed buyer.

Lynch HUMMER was the very first dedicated HUMMER dealership in the nation, and for years in the 1990s, it was the largest volume dealer in the country. Once the H2s and H3s entered into the HUMMER lineup in 2002 and 2005 (Before you leave comments – I’m talking availability – not model year), stores in major metropolitan areas may have surpassed Lynch’s volume, but they remained a powerhouse in the H1 market – probably selling more than any other dealership in the nation. It was their dedication to the brand and its owners that drew people from all over the country to not only own a HUMMER, but a Lynch HUMMER.

When HUMMER was facing its demise, Jim Lynch introduced another product into the dealership – firearms. Lynch even launched a new branding website, gunsandhummers.com, which appears to still be running at 100%.

As part of the new offerings, Lynch planned to build a shooting range on the back piece of the dealership property, and focus on online accessory sales both for HUMMERS and adventure sports.

According to Lynch’s website, they are unable to use the “Lynch HUMMER” name since they no longer have any ties to General Motors, who still owns all rights to the HUMMER brand – but Lynch still operates a certified AM General Service facility under their new identity, Adventure Accessories.

This last week, officials from General Motors were in Newark, NJ to promote fueling stations for their fuel-cell electric vehicles – and instead of bringing a vehicle from their current lineup, they brought a hydrogen powered HUMMER H2.

The technology is “real and it’s here today. Now we need to expand it to cover the millions of potential fuel cell customers wanting to experience guilt-free driving in our region,” GM’s Gary Stottler told Delaware Online.

We’re not sure if it’s the same hyrdogen Hummer that was making the rounds about 5 years ago (there can’t be too many, right?), most notably taking on the Bull Run Rally as the first hydrogen vehicle ever to participate.

While GM makes a good point that Hydrogen can even power an H2 – it’s strange they would showcase a vehicle they don’t offer anymore that’s 5-6 years old as the wave of the future.

When an editorial is written on Slate.com (owned by the Washington Post), cites research from the University of California, Berkeley, and mentions HUMMERs – you can bet it it won’t be a glowing review of the brand’s unique styling and off-road prowess. Instead you’ll find obscure statistics that somehow suggest that larger vehicles, including HUMMERs, are costing lives figures of upwards of $150 billion a year. Seriously?

I can’t help but think this is somehow retribution for the “Hummer v Prius” debate that has seemed to surface about every six months since 2007, where scientists using somewhat questionable science deemed the Prius worse for the environment than the Hummer.

Basically, the researchers found that if you’re struck by a heavier vehicle, the probability of a fatal accident goes way up. Side note: California is also wondering why their state has massive debt – perhaps the next study will reveal the STUNNING new find that spending more than you make leads to deficits.

From Slate.com:

Given the relationship between big cars and bad accidents, it might make sense to make such cars more expensive to buy or drive. You could do this with insurance premiums, or lawsuits. But the economists suggest a gas tax, “because it is simple and because gasoline usage is positively related to both miles driven and vehicle weight.”

I’m relatively certain that Hummers, Ford F150s, Cadillac Escalades, Chevy Tahoes, and GMC Suburbans are “more expensive to buy” AND “drive,” given the sticker price and lesser fuel economy than a Chevy Cobalt.

Slate.com titled the article, “Your Big Car Is Killing Me.” Why didn’t it say, “Your Small Cars Are Killing You,” or “Your Big Car Is Saving Your Families Life,” I wonder?

If I’m ever in an accident, I truly hope no one involved is hurt, but as long as there are teenagers testing and driving, adults drinking and driving, I’m not going to feel any remorse for stacking the deck in my family’s favor when it comes to a collision.

P.S. An article on HUMMER safety wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t include the ever-popular H3 V Dump Truck/Semi story…

Further Reading:

A yuppie in his Prius is getting 42 miles a gallon. A Mom in a HUMMER — with six kids in the back – is actually doing much better

Five Groups More Deserving of Special Treatment than Hybrid Owners

Environmental concerns? Keep the Hummer, ditch the hamburger!